An update from JD Twitch.

5 Minute Read

Music

Our beautiful friend Keith McIvor, one half of the incredible Glaswegian duo Optimo (Espacio) and co-founders of Watching Trees, that we’ve had the honour of creating with them for the past 4 years, has shared the heartbreaking news that he has an untreatable brain tumour.

Full message from Keith (JD Twitch) below, further comments from Jonnie can be found here.

“Over the past few weeks I have received lots of enquiries about my health having missed several gigs since being admitted to the hospital. Following extensive tests I’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumour and I have been told my condition is untreatable. As you can imagine, I am currently trying to process this news and prioritising spending precious time with the people I love.

I know this may be difficult news to receive through social media, and I’m sorry if it feels sudden or impersonal. My symptoms weren’t immediately diagnosed, and my health declined very quickly over just a few weeks. Because of how rapidly everything progressed, I haven’t been able to share this news personally with everyone I care about, so this feels like the clearest and kindest way to let you know what’s happening.

I truly appreciate everyone’s love and concern, it means the world to me. I would really love to hear from you, but it is too difficult for me to reply and process your communications directly. Please respect my privacy and space, and only contact me via the message board we have set up. This will allow me to receive your messages in a way that feels more manageable, with the help of my loved ones, who are supporting me through this difficult time.

Link here: https://www.jdtwitch.com/

Optimo (Espacio)

I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my journey in music, from the early days of Pure in Edinburgh in the ’90s and through the past 28 years of Optimo (Espacio). Jonnie and I have been lucky enough to play our music at countless clubs and festivals throughout the world and it has been one of the greatest honours of my life to make a career out of something I love. We have connected with so many beautiful souls through our shared passion for music.

I want to say also that Watching Trees festival holds a very special place in my heart. It’s a project I’ve loved being part of and curating, and I know the incredible WT crew will continue to help it grow into an even more magical and meaningful experience.

I trust Jonnie implicitly to continue Optimo (Espacio). I know he will carry it forward with the same spirit and passion we always shared showing you, as ever, just how much “we love your ears.”

Love Keith.”